101. dal makhani

June 22, 2012mayurisjikoni

creamy and buttery

Anyone who has been to an Indian restaurant or dhaba, has heard of or tasted dal makhani. Its a famous Punjabi dal, usually served along with naan, parathas, vegetables and rice. The original dal makhani is cooked over a low heat charcoal furnace or in the naan furnace overnight. Very slow cooking makes the dal tasty. The following day all the spices, homemade butter and cream are added to make it thick, creamy and buttery. In this fast world, I seriously do not have the patience of cooking it over low flame overnight. I think, fire hazard, not fuel efficient, what if it burns etc etc. My version of the recipe is not loaded with fat and is easily made in our normal kitchens which may not have a furnace or jiko.updated 11/01/2016

Mash the cooked lentils lightly. Add the tomato gravy, remaining water and salt to it.

Mix well and let it simmer over low heat for nearly 30 minutes.

Stir occasionally so that the dal does not stick at the bottom.

Add fresh cream. Mix well.

Garnish with coriander and a blob of butter and serve.

Tips :

Most of the dals I prepare are thick. If you want a thinner dal, just add more water.

Instead of fresh cream, add milk.

Can do additional tadka (tempering) to pour on top before serving. For this heat a tbsp of ghee, add 1 tsp cumin seeds and 1 tsp red chilli powder (kashmiri as its not hot) and pour over the dal. If you do not have kashmiri chilli powder use normal red chilli powder but do not add in the dal while cooking.

If you like you can add clove and cinnamon powder while cooking the dal. I prefer the spicy taste of the onions, garlic and ginger.

For fresh tomato puree, wash 1kg of tomatoes. Half them and put them in a saucepan. Add ¼ cup water. Cover the pan. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Let the tomatoes cool down. Liquidize and store in the fridge. Usually keeps good for a whole week in the fridge.

So right, no one has the patience to slow cook now a days! It's all instant! This dal makhani looks so delicious! So flavorful and yum!Why am I not able to follow your? I have tried so many times to become a member and join your site but I'm not able to. Do let me know, I would love to stay in touch!